Yes, I agree wholeheartedly that massage for the caregiver is so beneficial. Last May [2007] my mother was dying of breast cancer that had metastasized to her liver and bones. Nine months before I went from having two fully capable and functioning parents to two hospitalized parents in life and death situations when my father suffered a major heart attack and then continued to develop more problems following his surgery. My mother’s condition from that point worsened quickly and she was hospitalized simultaneously with my father.

For those nine months my life changed dramatically and was extremely stressful. I did not feel I could take the time to care for myself.

Finally, a week before my mother passed away I was so stiff, sore, tight and miserable, so I scheduled a massage for myself. My therapist was so kind and considerate. As soon as he began, I felt myself relaxing and the tears I had never shed all that time began to flow non-stop. The massage was very healing physically and emotionally.

I recommend making exercise and massage therapy part of your routine when you’re in a caregiving situation.

I learned the hard way that you can give better care to someone else when you take care of yourself first.

This is so crucial! It is not being selfish; it’s being smart!

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Thank you for highlighting this important opportunity to provide support for caregivers. Sometimes the energy involved in taking care of a fragile loved one is so great that often the caregivers well-being is compromised, especially if they are not used to practicing self-care. The simple, yet powerful offering of a nurturing massage and a focused, listening presence to the caregiver allows them to rediscover their wellspring of loving care. Everybody benefits!

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I agree the patients/family members are being taken care of. Someone needs to take care of the caregivers! I work out of a Hospital and only give massages to the staff. I am in the process of working it out with the hospital to allow me to also offer massages to family members.
I feel so strongly about this and have a great passion for taking care of the ones doing all the caring!!!
Pam

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